Cycling in New York City is more popular than ever. But with that growth comes real risk, especially in high-traffic areas like Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, where cyclists must navigate distracted drivers, intersection hazards, and inconsistent infrastructure.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NYC injury lawyers have represented numerous injured cyclists and know the dangers firsthand—from reckless drivers to unsafe road conditions and “dooring” accidents. Below, we share practical, attorney-approved safety tips to help reduce your chances of being involved in a serious bicycle accident in NYC.
Bicycle Safety Tips for New York City Cyclists
Cycling in New York City offers freedom and efficiency, but it also comes with unique hazards. These safety tips can help protect you from serious injury and reduce the likelihood of a crash—especially in high-risk areas like Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
Plan Your Route Using Protected Bike Lanes
Not all bike routes in NYC are created equal. While the city has expanded its network of bike lanes, only some are physically separated from traffic. Protected lanes are your safest option, offering barriers or curbs that keep you away from moving vehicles.
Before riding, use tools like:
- Google Maps – Bicycle mode
- NYC DOT’s Interactive Bike Map
- Citymapper or Ride with GPS
Prioritize routes that avoid major truck corridors and construction zones. In congested areas such as Midtown Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, or along Queens Boulevard, using protected infrastructure can significantly reduce your exposure to risk.
Use Proper Signaling and Visibility Tools
In a city as dense as New York, visibility is critical—especially at night, during early morning commutes, or in rainy weather. Be sure your bike includes:
- A white front light and red rear light, which are required by NYC law from dusk to dawn
- Reflective tape or wheel reflectors to increase side visibility
- A bell or horn to alert pedestrians and inattentive drivers
- Bright or reflective clothing, vests, or ankle bands to improve visibility at intersections
These measures improve safety and strengthen your legal case if you’re injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver who “didn’t see you.”
Always Wear a Helmet
Although helmets are not legally required for riders over 13 in NYC, they’re strongly recommended. According to the CDC and National Transportation Safety Board, helmets can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by more than 60% in the event of a crash.
Choose a helmet that:
- Is certified by the CPSC
- Fits snugly without rocking side to side
- Sits level on your head, covering the forehead
Cyclists struck by cars often experience head impact, even in lower-speed collisions. A helmet can be the difference between a full recovery and a life-altering injury.
Obey Traffic Laws Like Any Other Vehicle
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1231, cyclists must follow the same rules as motor vehicles. Failing to do so not only increases your risk of a crash—it could also reduce your compensation in a personal injury case.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs
- Ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Avoid riding on sidewalks (unless you’re under 13)
Using crosswalks improperly or running red lights, even if no cars are in sight, puts you in legal and physical danger.
Dress for Safety and Mobility
What you wear can impact both your safety and control on the road. Opt for fitted, flexible clothing that keeps your range of motion unrestricted and avoids entanglement with the bike.
Smart gear includes:
- Pant clips or leg straps to keep fabric out of the chain
- Closed-toe shoes with a good grip
- Weather-appropriate outerwear, such as waterproof jackets or thermal gloves
- Layers for temperature control during long rides
Avoid hoods, headphones, or anything that limits your hearing or peripheral vision—both are critical in city cycling environments.
Stay Alert and Expect the Unexpected
Urban cycling demands constant awareness. Even if you follow every rule, you can’t predict what others will do, which often causes crashes.
Stay especially alert for:
- Dooring incidents—when a parked car door opens into your lane
- Illegal turns or lane shifts by drivers, especially taxis and rideshare vehicles
- Potholes, debris, and construction plates, which can destabilize your ride
- Pedestrians on phones stepping into the bike lane without looking
- Double-parked vehicles are forcing you to merge into traffic
Avoid distractions, never use your phone while riding, and slow down at intersections, where most serious accidents occur.
Rising Bike Accident Rates in NYC (2023–2024 Update)
While NYC continues to expand cycling infrastructure, crash statistics show that cyclists remain vulnerable, especially at unprotected intersections and in high-traffic corridors:
- 30 cyclists were killed in NYC in 2023, the highest number since 1999
- More than 5,500 cyclist injuries were reported across the five boroughs
- Brooklyn and Manhattan account for the highest cyclist fatality rates
- Fatal crashes frequently occur near unprotected bike lanes, faded crosswalks, or poorly marked intersections
These figures highlight the importance of cycling defensively and knowing your rights after an accident. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while riding, speak to a NYC bike accident attorney immediately.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Bicycle Accident
Even the most cautious cyclists can find themselves seriously injured due to a careless driver, poorly maintained roads, or defective bike infrastructure. Your actions in the moments following a crash can significantly impact your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
If you’re struck by a vehicle or injured due to unsafe road conditions:
- Call 911 immediately and request both emergency medical services and the police. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to have a medical evaluation and an official police report documenting the incident.
- Document the scene thoroughly using your phone. Take clear photos or video of: Your bicycle and its damage; the vehicle(s) involved, including license plates; any visible injuries you’ve suffered, and the surrounding environment (traffic signals, signage, street conditions, skid marks, etc.)
- Collect contact information for any witnesses. Independent statements from third parties can be powerful evidence, especially if fault is disputed.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with the other party’s insurance company. Their goal is to limit their financial liability, and anything you say can be used against you.
- Get medical treatment and follow all instructions from healthcare providers. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurers to minimize or deny your claim.
- Contact a trusted New York City bike accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help preserve key evidence—such as surveillance footage, dash cam data, and road maintenance logs—and begin building a strong personal injury claim on your behalf.
Call a New York Bike Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a family member has been injured in a bike accident, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you and your loved ones and fight for your rights.We represent injured cyclists throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and we do not charge any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call us today at (212) 490-5700 or use our online contact form to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.